HEADS UP: Turkish military columns in Northern Syria

TURKEY - In Brief 09 Dec 2025 by Atilla Yesilada

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At least three separate sources report that Turkish military convoys are entering Northern Syria from multiple directions. The incursion could be just a show of force by Ankara to force reticent Syrian Kurds to reach a deal with Damascus to integrate their military wing with the national army, or the harbinger of another military operation with plethora of mostly unpleasant consequences. First, let’s state the known facts: “Footage showing Turkish Armed Forces armored convoys moving in northern Syria last night stirred new claims about a potential cross-border operation. According to reports, the vehicles entered from Afrin, Ras al-Ayn, and Aleppo, then advanced toward Manbij — a line long known for being politically and militarily sensitive. Meanwhile, forces affiliated with the Syrian government were seen deploying reinforcements to the Deir ez-Zor region. Cameras captured units equipped with weapons and systems reportedly procured from Turkey, moving alongside Syrian army soldiers — an unusual sight that added another layer of complexity to the situation. In response, the SDF also stationed forces in Deir ez-Zor and shared photos of armed militants positioned in the area, signaling a readiness for potential confrontation”. (link to English source here). When asked about the motivation of these maneuvers, both Turkish general staff and Syrian Kurdish spokespeople dismissed the possibility of new hostilities. “Amid the growing chatter, sources from the Ministry of Defense told Cumhuriyet that the circulating claims do not reflect any extraordinary activity, stating: “These are routine operations, nothing beyond that.” Speaking to Kurdish news agency Rudaw: “Until this...